KING OF THE WEST SPRINT CAR SERIES JOINS FORCES WITH NARC FOR 2017 SCHEDULE
(2/3/17) … The King of the West Sprint Car Series has released its 2017 racing schedule. With this schedule comes promising change and commitment to improve the dynamic of 410 c.i. sprint car racing in California for years to come. The traveling series, currently managed by the Watsonville-based Prentice Motorsports Group, will be implementing changes to bring back the Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) as its sanctioning body.
The King of the West-NARC Series revival will be spearheaded by Jim Allen, the NARC and Golden State Challenge business and publicity director from 1985-1999. The NARC-KWS series plans to reinvigorate the club environment that will lead to larger car counts and long term success for 410 sprint car racing. This includes an advisory board made up of its members, a comprehensive sponsorship program, additional emphasis on fan entertainment value, a new web site and improved relationships with track promoters. This foundation will be built during the 2017 season.
“The Northern Auto Racing Club was synonymous with quality sprint car racing in California for more than four decades,” said Allen. “Our drivers and teams were recognized as some of the nation’s best short track racers and our fans were very loyal. We were one big family and it’s time to build on that reputation and history again.”
The Northern Auto Racing Club was founded in the famous Owl’s Garage in Calistoga by Louie Vermeil in 1960. The club flourished while producing name brand NARC champions and open wheel heroes such as LeRoy Van Conett, Johnny Anderson, Chuck Gurney, Tim Green and Brent Kaeding and many more. A lack of consistent hands-on continuity led to the clubs demise in 2001.
“Bringing back the Northern Auto Racing Club is something that the racing community has been requesting for many years,” Allen continued. “They’re clamoring for a Speedweek and we plan to accommodate that request in the near future.”
Many of the competitors on the King of the West NARC series are second and third generation drivers who view the series as a springboard to national racing series such as the World of Outlaws, USAC, and NASCAR.
Sacramento driver Kyle Hirst claimed his third King of the West championship in 2016. His father Rick Hirst captured the 1986 NARC championship.
Bobby McMahan of Sacramento is one of only five NARC drivers still actively competing today in the 410 ranks. Grass Valley’s Jason Statler and the Kaeding family (Brent, Brandon, & Tim) are the others.
“I remember going to NARC races as a kid,” reminisces McMahan. “When I started my racing career, I looked forward to the day I would run with NARC. The competition was the best there was, and there was a ton of camaraderie among the racing teams. I welcome the return of the Northern Auto Racing Club.”
Last year’s series runner-up Brandon “Bud” Kaeding shares that same sense of pride. “Having NARC back in California means a lot to our family, because it was the pinnacle of 410 racing in California. It has a legendary name that is recognized across the country.”
The 18-race schedule features events at 10 different dirt tracks in Northern and Central California. It kicks off March 4th with the $5,000 to win Mini-Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, CA. The season concludes eight months later with a blockbuster November 4th show at the Stockton Dirt Track.
Announcements regarding series sponsorships are expected during the next few weeks.
For additional information, call 831-818-6928, or email info@NARC410.com
KING OF THE WEST SPRINT CAR SERIES – PRESENTED BY THE NORTHERN AUTO RACING CLUB